Back in September --- it seems like a lifetime ago --- the Chase, as we know it, was on life support. The governing body was looking at ways to tweak the postseason process to make it more appealing to fans.

There was chatter about making it like the NCAA Basketball Tournament. A knock-out or elimination bracket-style format that would end with a mano-e-mano finish.

But thanks to the three-horse race between five-time champion Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, the lines of communication regarding the Chase have become glaringly silent.

At least for now.

Heading into the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, the top three in the standings are separated by 38 points, the tightest margin with three races remaining since the inception of The Chase in 2004. Start time for today’s event is 3 p.m.

“When it comes to The Chase, what we want are big moments where drivers and teams have to be at their very best on a given day,” NASCAR chairman Brian France said. “That’s what creates the atmosphere we want, and we’ll be looking to make sure we have the perfect format going into 2011.”

This year’s Chase, so far, gives NASCAR vindication. This 10-race sprint has the governing body’s brass walking around like peacocks. A sort of “We told you this could work” mentality.

Besides, the sport has more pressing matters. Like getting the 2013 car changes in order with manufacturers and finding ways to make the sport cheaper so fields aren’t cut to 30 cars.

But this year’s Chase excitement isn’t just about a point differential. It’s about the personalities involved at the top of the order.

You have Johnson. He is the new villain, even though he is probably one of he nicest and cordial guys in the sport. Unfortunately, his dominance --- something that should be respected --- has become tiresome.

He also plays it right. He has a pleasant demeanor and isn’t bothered by any question or query. He has a thick skin, very PC in his answers. A seasoned veteran behind the microphone.

Right on Johnson’s heels is Hamlin. He appeals to a different demographic. The Joe Gibbs driver reminds me of the Wii crowd. The new generation that jumps on message boards and gives their opinion without putting their name to it.

Hamlin can whine publicly at times. He can be brash, but it only seems to happen when things aren’t going his way. A bit of a complainer, someone that is easy to not side with.

And then there is Harvick.

This is the wild card of the lot. He is brash but appealing. He has a certain charisma without even trying. Aside from Kyle Busch, he is the closest thing to the late Dale Earnhardt, which draws in the old guard.

Harvick is old school. He isn’t going to run to NASCAR to settle a problem. He is going to handle it his way --- on the track.

At Dover, Harvick didn’t take to Hamlin’s comments about teammate Clint Bowyer or Richard Childress Racing well. “Happy” [Harvick’s nickname] wasn’t so happy and went out and tagged Hamlin before a practice session.

And no one wants to win more.

“I think people are sick of Jimmie Johnson winning,” Harvick said this week. “I’m sick of him winning. I think it would be good if someone else would win.”

Did we mention outspoken with a hint of sarcasm?

Love it.

This is the perfect mix. You have the champ, the upstart and a guy no one knows how to take.

There is no reason to talk about change. Not now. NASCAR couldn’t ask for more. No reason to rock the boat with this scenario in place.

In this case, silence is truly golden.

THE PICK

Going out on a limb is something you do when you pick a non-chaser or someone who has never won a race.

But in this case, Carl Edwards is a long shot.

He hasn’t won in 69 races and appears out of the championship hunt. But we like him at a place he has won three times, including sweeping the events in 2008.

It’s all or nothing for Edwards at this place, but we think the winless streak ends in a Texas shootout.

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